By Judith W. Umlas
February 19, 2024
In a world grappling with uncertainty, economic shifts, and rapid technological advancements, a silent crisis is taking hold within organizations—let’s call it “corporate depression.” Employees at all levels are feeling the weight of burnout, disengagement, and a loss of purpose. Companies that once thrived on innovation and collaboration are now struggling to keep their teams motivated, as external stressors seep into the workplace.
The Ripple Effect of Global Events on the Workplace
It’s impossible to separate the workplace from the world outside. As individuals, we bring our fears, anxieties, and stressors with us when we log into a meeting or step into the office. Economic uncertainty, environmental challenges, and rapid technological disruptions contribute to a growing sense of instability, making it harder for employees to remain engaged and optimistic.
In times of unpredictability, leaders often default to a “business as usual” approach, assuming that pushing through difficulties with increased demands and tighter deadlines will stabilize the workforce. Instead, it often leads to the opposite—employees feeling undervalued, disconnected, and emotionally drained. But there is a powerful antidote. Grateful Leadership, a leadership philosophy rooted in authentic acknowledgment and appreciation, offers a way to restore energy, enthusiasm, and emotional resilience in teams and organizations.
This is where Grateful Leadership becomes more than just a leadership style; it becomes a survival tool for organizations.
The Power of Acknowledgment in Difficult Times
The foundation of Grateful Leadership is the genuine, heartfelt acknowledgment of employees and colleagues. At its core, it is not about vague recognition programs or obligatory performance reviews—it is about making people feel truly seen, heard, and valued for their contributions.
When people feel acknowledged, they are more likely to stay engaged, contribute meaningfully, and remain committed to the organization’s mission—despite external uncertainties. Research has shown that gratitude and acknowledgment in the workplace:
✅ Increase employee engagement and retention
✅ Boost resilience in times of change
✅ Reduce stress and improve well-being
✅ Foster a culture of collaboration and trust
A single act of sincere acknowledgment—a leader thanking an employee for their creativity, a manager recognizing the quiet contributions of a behind-the-scenes team member, a colleague expressing appreciation—has the power to lift morale and shift the energy of an entire organization.
Practical Steps to Infuse Grateful Leadership into Your Organization
Leaders who embrace Grateful Leadership can take tangible steps to combat corporate depression:
✅ Make acknowledgment a daily habit
Don’t wait for annual reviews or structured recognition programs. Take moments each day to recognize the impact of those around you.
✅ Be specific and personal
Instead of a generic “great job,” say: “Your innovative approach to this project made a real difference. Thank you for your insight and dedication.”
✅ Encourage peer-to-peer acknowledgment
Leadership is not just about top-down recognition. Create a culture where team members actively appreciate and uplift one another.
✅ Integrate acknowledgment into meetings
Start team meetings with a moment of gratitude, highlighting someone’s contribution to create a positive tone.
✅ Lead by example
Employees look to their leaders for cues on workplace culture. Leaders who express appreciation openly inspire their teams to do the same.
Conclusion: A Leadership Shift for a Changing World
In a time when uncertainty feels overwhelming, organizations must become safe havens of appreciation and purpose. Leaders who embrace Grateful Leadership don’t just improve company culture—they create an environment where employees feel empowered, supported, and hopeful.
By making acknowledgment an everyday practice, companies can combat corporate depression, reignite passion, and build resilient teams that thrive, no matter what challenges the world presents.
Now, more than ever, Grateful Leadership is not just a choice—it’s a necessity.
Please put back Author’s Note with my citation of ChatGPT in putting together this article.
Join Me – in person or virtually – for a Transformational Experience!
Grateful Leadership Workshop
📅 March 20, 2025
💡 The results will be profound and transformational—that’s my promise!
🎟 Use Discount Code CGL50 for 50% off!
I’d like to acknowledge the assistance of my AI research companion, ‘Chatty’ (ChatGPT), whose insights and reflections helped shape some of the ideas in this article. While AI may not experience gratitude, I certainly do! (All views and conclusions presented are my own.)
Judith W. Umlas is Sr. Vice President, author and trainer at International Institute for Learning, Inc. (IIL), a global corporate training company. She is the publisher of IIL Publishing, New York. She is also the author of the ground-breaking book, The Power of Acknowledgment ©2006, IIL Publishing, New York, which has been credited with changing workplaces and lives by making use of the 7 Principles of Acknowledgment she developed. Her book on Grateful Leadership, Using the Power of Acknowledgment to Engage All Your People and Achieve Superior Results was published by McGraw-Hill Professional in association with IIL in early 2013 and You’re Totally Awesome! The Power of Acknowledgment for Kids was published in late 2013 by IIL Publishing.
Judith delivers inspiring, motivational, and transformational keynote addresses on Grateful Leadership and The Power of Acknowledgment all over the world. She also leads webinars and teaches full day virtual and traditional courses to organizations such as Volvo, the U.S. Army, Prudential, JMP Engineering, the World Bank, Fannie Mae, IBM, AT&T, Google, Amway, CCL Industries, the New York Police Department, and many others. She has trained over 100,000 people through her leading edge, highly interactive and engaging courses, and keynotes – with outstanding and long-lasting results. She heads up the Center for Grateful Leadership, a division of IIL, whose members from around the world are committed to practicing and implementing the Grateful Leadership initiative in their organizations.
